Theresa May's Florence speech: key points Read moreIn a statement, Barnier acknowledged May’s concession that the UK would pay into the EU budget until 2020, which guarantees €20bn (£18bn) of funds promised by the government. However, Barnier also highlighted that May’s speech did not clarify how the UK intended to honour its responsibility for protecting the peace in Ireland, while observing EU trade and customs rules. Barnier welcomed May’s promise to protect the rights of EU citizens, but said this must be translated into a precise negotiating position. “We look forward to the United Kingdom’s negotiators explaining the concrete implications of prime minister Theresa May’s speech,” he said. In her speech, May said EU citizens arriving during the transition period would benefit from free movement.

Source: The Guardian September 22, 2017 17:24 UTC